That sense of purpose.

It’s been a little more than 2 weeks since I started work and things have gone pretty smoothly. As a research officer, I am blessed to be under a supervisor that laid out his research plans and strategies to tackle certain research problems openly with me right at the beginning. This open communication with my supervisor has enabled me to to have the same vision with him when it comes to research. With that, I am glad to have a sense of purpose when I’m doing my work. I know what needs to be done and how it needs to be done to accomplish the research goals and objectives that he has laid out before me. 

My research involves skin research, and my team is interested in finding treatment strategies to treat and alleviate a certain genetic disease that affects the function of normal skin. My supervisor spent 2 hours on a one-on-one presentation and information sharing session with me and it was really an eye opener. He already laid the groundwork for me on what needs to be done with regards to this research. After hearing him out, I finally had a sense of purpose! Not just what I need to do in the lab, but the very nature of the project itself. I am doing research that could potentially help a lot of people with this skin disease! It may be a small step forward, but it is highly significant if it turns out really well. I am, for the first time, contributing something meaningful to society. I am truly using my skills and effort in my work to really make a difference in people’s lives.

I don’t know how the project will turn out. Will it succeed? Or will it fail? What I do know for sure, is that with that sense of purpose, I can now go to work with the proper motivation, drive and mind frame. And I think that is very important for me. With a sense of purpose, I am eager to go to work and do my best and work closely with my supervisor. I cannot let him down, and I definitely cannot let myself down.